On Sunday, the Deputy Head of Libya’s Presidential Council, Abdullah Al-Lafi confirmed Libya’s refusal to normalize relations with Israel. This was during a meeting with the Algerian Ambassador to Libya, Slimane Chenine in Tripoli.
Al-Lafi emphasized the Council’s commitment “to long-standing national and pan-Arab positions, including the support of the Palestinian people and the rejection of normalization.”
The meeting also discussed the latest political developments in Libya, including the efforts of the Presidential Council “to achieve a national reconciliation project, and ways to achieve legal and political consensus for holding electoral events.”
In turn, Chenine highlighted the importance of resolving the crisis in Libya through peaceful means, via a Libyan-led solution. He also expressed Algeria’s support for the Council’s efforts to reach a consensus among all parties, and praised the progress of the national reconciliation project.
Additionally, both sides reviewed the current situation in neighbouring African countries, and implications for both nations.
Notably, last month Libyan Foreign Minister, Najla Al-Mangoush met with her Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen in Italy. The meeting sparked protests across the country.
Libya does not recognize Israel, and supports the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Foreign Ministry in Tripoli stated that Al-Mangoush had refused to hold any meetings with Israeli representatives, and what occurred in Rome was an “incidental, unofficial meeting during a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani.”
However, an Israeli official cast doubt on this account, saying, “The meeting was prearranged at the highest levels in Libya, and lasted for about two hours. The Libyan Prime Minister views Israel as a potential bridge to the West and the US administration.”